Is one month dedicated to the recognition and study of Black History enough?
Many blacks, including noted actor, Morgan Freeman, don’t think so.
Mike Wallace, a journalist and media personality, interviewed Morgan Freeman on 60 Minutes in 2005. There were a series of questions and responses about Black History. Freeman advocated for recognizing blacks’ contributions. But he criticized delegating one month.
At one point, Freeman asked Wallace did he want a month for Jewish History. Wallace replied, “No, no.”
Are you surprised at Wallace’s response? I’m not.
Freeman made it known, “I don’t either. I don’t want a Black History Month.”
Some blacks would say a month is better than a day or a week.
We remember when the celebration of black achievements was Negro History Week which was founded by Carter G. Woodson. The observance was the second week in February.
But Morgan Freeman said, “Black history is American history.”
You cannot cut a slice of American history without revealing Black History.
Black history is American history.
The first slaves landed in America 150-plus years before the rebellion of the 13 colonies against British rule. Thousands of Africans—free blacks and slaves—served in the Continental Army. These Africans fought for the slave-holders and colonies’ freedom. Many slaves fought to buy their freedom.
Isn’t this American history?
What about the sweat equity of slaves: picking cotton in Alabama? Cutting cane in Louisiana? The economic impact of slave labor made America rich.
Isn’t this American history?
As a fifth grader, I studied and thought about the Underground Railroad and Harriet Tubman. And sometimes, crossing railroads triggered images of slaves, shackled and barefooted. Many fled from their masters, were caught, and killed.
Being a descendant of slaves isn’t a bad thing. And it’s not a good thing. It’s history. It’s our history. It’s my history.
Today, I wonder about all the murdered slaves whose DNA saturated and fertilized America’s soil.
This is American history.
What about Bloody Sunday on the Edmund Pettus Bridge?
This is American history.
I accept my history.
When will America accept her history?
Black innovations and contributions in every aspect of the American culture and economic enterprise are a part of American history.
We progressed from Negro History Week to Black History Month. February is Black History Month.
American history is the historical allegiance of one flag, one nation, and one republic “with liberty and justice for all.”
What’s next?
Where do we go from here?
Black History is American history.